Saliva ejector



ited Stats ice 3,084,440 SALIVA EJECTOR Irving J. Wenof, Norristown, Pa. (1550 W. Main St., Jeersonviiie, Pa.) Filed Ud. 27- 1961, Ser, No.A 143,212 1 Ciaim. (Cl. 352-63) This invention relates to a sal-iva ejector and has as its primary object the provision of an improved device for insertion into the month of a patient during dental treatment to remove saliva therefrom.

A primary object of the invention is the provision of an improved T-shaped tip which is adjustable and which may be turned to the right or left or extended or retracted `on its associated tubing in onder to achieve maximum comfort for the patient.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of -a device of this character wherein suction is effected through a plurality of openings, and a pure live rubber tip, the latter being easily sterilizable and of extreme lightness of weight, thus resulting in a minimum of discomfort to the patient.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character which may be readily attached to the conventional suction tubing found in dental offices without any change in the normal apparatus utilized for this purpose.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character comprising a rubber tip which is adapted to t over a stainless steel tube, the latter having a beveled extremity in order to prevent any block age of suction.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of an appliance of this character which is sturdy and durable in construction, reliable and eflicient in operation, and relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and which will insure maximum comfort to the patient dur-ing operation.

Other objects will in part be obvious and in part be pointed out as the description of the invention proceeds and shown in the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIGURE 1 is an elevational view of the saliva ejector of the instant invention shown in position in a patients mouth, the latter being indicated in dotted lines.

|FIGURE 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus, parts thereof being broken away,

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along the fline 4-4 of FIG. 3 as viewed in the :direction indicated by the arrows; and

FIGURE 5 is a view -similar to FIG. 4 but showing a slightly modified form of construction.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout .the several views of the drawings.

Having reference now to the instant invention in detail, there is generally indicated at '101 a soft rubber tip of generally T-shaped configuration including a ystemt 11 and head 12. The stem 11 is hollow and is fitted over the end of the metal tube 13, being held in place by lfriction, but at the same time being capable of longitudinal and rotative adjustment relative to the tube to properly position the head in the patients mouth. The tube 13 is bent as at 14 to provide a relatively straight portion =15 which 65 over-lies the lip L of the patient P and again curved as at 16 and terminates in a straight portion 17 which depends below the chin of the patient in the usual manner. The straight portion 17 seats in a bore 18 in a plastic fitting 19, the tit being 4sufiiciently snug to hold the parts in related assembly, but at the same time being readily releasable upon the exertion of pressure. The fitting 19 has a reduced end portion 20 through which extends a bore 21 in communication with the tubular portion 17, and over which is fitted the end 22 of a plastic tube 23 of any `desired length, the tube in turn seating at its other end securely about a tubular stern 24, the end of which is xedly secured in a plastic tapered fitting 25 having a ange 26 thereabout, the tapered end fitting in the end of the conventional rubber suction hose 27 for withdrawing saliva through the tubing. The end of the tube 13 is beveled as at 30` (see FIGS, 2 and 4) in order to prevent sealing off of the suction regardless of the depth of its insertion into the head 12. In the illustrative embodiment of the invention herein shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the head 12 is provided with end openings 31 and a plurality of s1de openings 32, through which multiplicity of openings saliva may be drawn freely rfrom all direct-ions so as to keep lthe mouth relatively dry While the dentist is performing such operations therein as may be necessary. Under certain conditions it is found that a greater expanse of the mouth between the `gum line and the lower lip should be provided with suction, in which case a head member 12a similar to the head 12 is provided which includes end apertures 31a and side apertures 32a, there being a greater number of the apertures 32a in accordance with the increased length `of the cross head.

From the foregoing it will now be seen that .there is |herein provided an improved saliva ejector lfor dental use which accomplishes all the objects of this invention, and others, including many advantages of great practical utility, and which considerably enhances the comfort of the patient being treated as well as reflectively removing saliva from the mouth continuously and with a minimum probability of clogging.

As many embodiments may be ma-de of this inventive concept, and as many modifications may be made in the embodiment .hereinbefore shown and described, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

A saliva ejector comprising a substantially U-shaped tube having a short leg terminating in a free end adapted to be positioned in a ldental patients mouth between the gum and the ylower lip, a b-ight :disposed at an obtuse angle to said short leg and of a length to extend outwardly from the jaw of the patient, and a long leg extending at an obtuse angle to said bight, -a relatively soft T-shaped apertured head slidably and rotatably fitted on said free end of said tube, and suction means secured to the other end of said tube, the stem of said T-shaped head expansibly engaging over lsaid tree end of said tube, and `the cross head of said T-shaped head having apertures in its sides and ends only, said T-shaped head being comprised of soft rubber, the free end of said tube being beveled interiorly.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 674,650 Lundborg May 21, 1901 2,595,666 Hutson May 6, 1952 3,029,513 Fletcher Apr. 17, 1962 

